What is optothermal trapping?

Answer from top 2 papers

Optothermal trapping is a technique that leverages the interaction between light and heat to manipulate micro and nanoscale objects. This method has been recognized for its low optical intensity requirements and its ability to overcome limitations of traditional optical tweezers, such as high laser power and photon damage ( and ). Notably, optothermal tweezers have been designed to exploit non-uniform temperature distributions that induce water polarization and charge separation, leading to a thermoelectric field that dominates the trapping mechanism ().
Interestingly, while optothermal trapping has been primarily discussed in the context of liquid media, recent advancements have extended its application to gas-phase environments as well. This broadens the scope of optothermal manipulation, demonstrating its versatility and potential for innovation in various scientific fields (). Additionally, the integration of optothermal trapping with other manipulation techniques, such as acoustic trapping, has been explored to combine the advantages of different methods in a single setup ().
In summary, optothermal trapping represents a significant advancement in the field of optical manipulation, offering a versatile and less invasive alternative to traditional optical tweezers. Its ability to manipulate particles based on differences in surface charge and its application across different media highlight its potential for a wide range of applications in life sciences, nanotechnology, and beyond ( and ). The ongoing research and development in this area suggest a promising future for optothermal trapping techniques, with the possibility of further innovations and applications emerging from a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms ( and ).